The aim of this technology transfer project is the development of different prototypes of innovative protein ingredients based on alternative protein sources, which will be provided by various Andalusian companies from raw materials discarded in their production processes and/or byproducts generated in large quantities and so far undervalued, or even managed as waste.

"Alternative proteins" to meat (legumes, pseudocereals, oilseeds, insects, algae, etc.) are a field of growing interest and with great potential for development. Therefore, the potential for technological innovation is enormous, representing a great opportunity for the development of patentable processes and products that can be subsequently transferable to companies (or developed in collaboration) for them to exploit and reach the intermediate customer or the end consumer as new protein ingredients or products.

In this context, the proposed project will bring great value to Andalusian companies since, on the one hand, it offers a great opportunity to promote the circular economy in the Andalusian agri-food sector, and on the other hand, it offers new alternative sources of protein, thus promoting new productive activities and lines of business in the sector that enhance its sustainability and openness to new national and international markets, which will improve the positioning of Andalusian companies and result in an improvement in the industrial and economic fabric of our region.

This project will allow identifying potential beneficiaries of these protein extraction technologies, as well as consolidating and expanding the contact and collaboration of our Technological Center with companies in the agri-food sector through various outreach actions, allowing the creation of future synergies and collaborations with companies that may be interested in developing the sustainable protein ingredients proposed in the project and/or producing functional foods enriched with them.